The new owner of regional publisher National World has announced the closure of a video channel he branded a “vanity project.”

National World launched Shots! TV in August 2023 vowing to feature topical content from its network of journalists around the UK, including crime, football and “weird” news.

But Malcolm Denmark, whose company Media Concierge took over the publisher last month, branded the channel “an expensive vanity project.”

Announcing its immediate closure, he said resources would be redirected back to its trusted local news brands.

Said Malcolm, pictured: “The decision to close Shots! TV reflects our commitment to ensuring National World remains focused on our core business—delivering exceptional local journalism to communities across the UK.

“Unfortunately, Shots! TV was launched as an expensive vanity project, which has proven to be both financially imprudent and strategically distracting.”

“We aim to invest our valuable resources into projects that deliver meaningful revenue and strengthen our primary mission of serving local markets. Our focus will be firmly on sustainable, impactful journalism that resonates locally and provides clear value to both our readers and advertisers.”

“We remain fully committed to our loyal audiences and commercial partners. By refocusing on our proven strengths, National World will ensure its brands continue to thrive in the long term.”

Shots! TV was available on Freeview channel 276 and also had a dedicated website.

Its launch came after a series of redundancies at the group which led to the departure of a number of senior editorial staff.